Page 25 - Vallejo_Chamber_of_Commerce_Magazine_Fall_2019

Mike makes sure to mention, however, that Visit
Calling All Tourists! Vallejo’s accomplishments are the result of a
dedicated team effort. They only have six staff
members in total; three of them have been there for
more than 15 years, and another for nearly 25.

Having a staff with such longevity is
truly something that makes Visit Vallejo
Vallejo has seen some tremendous growth in recent years, and it stand out from other such destination-
looks like that isn’t going to stop anytime soon. The chamber, the management organizations. So when they
nonprofits, the city itself … Vallejo’s success is truly a team effort. go out to a trade show or a convention
One of those teammates we’d like to highlight is our very own Visit to promote Vallejo, that love they have
Visit Vallejo helps Vallejo, also known as the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau. for our city is conveyed through their
message. Naturally, people can pick up on
keep our Their job is to advocate positively on behalf of Vallejo, that, and thus Vallejo tourism is on the rise.
mostly in regards to tourism. Believe it or not, many people
economy strong choose Vallejo as the place to spend their vacation, and “Carrie Baulwin, our director of sales, is a big reason application and pay a small investment fee: $220
these visitors are coming to us from all over the world. This that we’ve enjoyed so much success over the years,” for the year, or $110 for nonprofit organizations.
by attracting is also the home of the Vallejo/Solano County Film Office. Mike said. “She does a fantastic job of promoting
Vallejo.” She helps to coordinate and facilitate any Mike is looking forward to so many things when it
visitors from “We’re so lucky to have a city that has so much happening, with activity that involves hotels, which is where most comes to the future of Vallejo, but what he really
even more on the horizon,” said Visit Vallejo’s President and of Visit Vallejo’s funding comes from. She’s also has his eye on at this writing is the work being
around the world CEO Mike Browne. Mike is no stranger to the Vallejo community, been a major player in developing a great tourism done by the Nimitz group on Mare Island. “The
and he has been at the post here for 16 years. What makes relationship with China over the past six years. ideas they have, their philosophy, and the respect
him so effective as the leader of the visitor’s bureau is that he’s they have to the past—melding those altogether
By Matt Larson truly passionate about this dynamic place that we call home. “One wouldn’t think Vallejo does international … they get it,” he said. “Out of anything that I’ve
business, but yeah, we do!” Mike exclaimed. “A seen since having this job, and all the different
“I have the best job!” he exclaimed. “Because I get to great deal, in fact. Carrie has helped us bring projects that have been on the potential calendar
promote all the good things about Vallejo. We have tons lots of folks here to Vallejo from China.” At first, for Mare Island and Vallejo, this seems to be the
of stuff to talk about, always will, and we get more every these visitors would just stay for one night only, most ‘real’ one that is going to happen; we’re just
year. And they pay me to do this! I’m a lucky guy.” but as they find there’s so much to do here, crossing our fingers that it’s all going to work out.”
the visits have lasted longer and longer.
Hailing from St. Louis, Mike first came here to work for Pay Visit Vallejo a visit in the ferry terminal at
Marine World Africa USA. He fell in love with Vallejo almost By now, it’s generally well known that Visit 289 Mare Island Way, Suite A. Call them at
immediately. One of his fondest memories was the first time Vallejo’s website has one of the most up-to-date (707) 642-3653 and especially check out their very full
he saw the dry docks of the old Mare Island Naval Base. “You calendars in town, next to Local Happenings’ website at visitvallejo.com. If you need help with your
don’t see anything like that in the Midwest,” he said. “So I was of course, but what many local businesses pitch on Vallejo, take these words from Mike Browne:
blown away at some unusual things I’d never seen before.” might not be aware of is the partnership
opportunities that Visit Vallejo can provide. “We’re a hidden gem in the Bay Area because
of all kinds of reasons: our location on the
“When you become a partner, you get preferential water with ferry access to San Francisco and a
treatment as far as recommendations are concerned,” short drive to Napa Valley; Six Flags Discovery
Mike said. “We recommend any restaurant in Kingdom; we have a great history with excellent
Vallejo if anybody asks, for example, but we always museums to visit; the rich history of downtown;
recommend our partners first. Another attraction the waterfront; the historic Mare Island shipyard;
is we can enhance an event listing with a social and, of course, our diverse community.”
media boost, or at the ferry terminal there’s room
to put up a partner’s rack card or brochure.”
Larson is an actor/comedian/director from Vallejo who
lives a double life between the Bay and LA. When he’s
Partners could also be included in their weekly not writing for Local Happenings Magazine he could be
newsletter, and become part of the conversation editing a short film or working on his next rap album—
who knows! Keep up with all things Larson at www.
at trade shows. To become a partner with
MarsLegstrong.com.
Visit Vallejo all you’ve got to do is fill out an